New Sword

[Federico]

Im gonna guess its probably an old demon head bolo (tenegre) from Panay (well that area Zel can probably give a very in depth history of the piece). At least Im guessing from the bad pics, that there is a round guard, and a leather throat on the scabbard. The upturn scabbard end is typical on really old Sanduko pieces, but then I seem to remember a Lumad tribe with a similar sword style, but cant quite remember the name (4 hours of sleep will do that to ya) of the group to even check up on it, so til more information comes out Im guessing Panay. I also think the monkey skull is an add on, patina looks funky compared to the rest of the sword. Also, have the suspicion that it is creeping up on the tang given the pic. Now of course, these are probably just my tired eyes playing tricks on me, but guessing is fun

[Robert]

My thanks to everyone so far for their input. When I enlarge the hilt in Photo Studio it seems that it is carved in the shape of a demons head as Federico suggested. There seems to be a small round guard but I am not sure and I cannot tell if there is a leather throat on the scabbard. I will be posting more and better detailed pictures as soon as the sword arrives. Until then if anyone else has any more ideas on its age and origin please feel free to post them. Thanks again.

Robert

P.S.

This is the information supplied by the seller. "I believe this is a very rare IBAN traditional head hunting sword. The carving and decorations are very detailed. This is a piece brought home by my grandfather after WWII that layed in storage for decades. The skull attached is from a monkey. The IBAN headhunters are of the Sarawak population in Borneo."

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Federico

The upturn scabbard end is typical on really old Sanduko pieces, but then I seem to remember a Lumad tribe with a similar sword style, but cant quite remember the name ...

Federico:

That would probably be a Mandayan scabbard you are recalling. I think some Borneo scabbards also have the "upturned toe" feature.


Here is a picture of a Manobo man wearing the typical Mandayan bolo:

And another Mandayan bolo:

You can read more about these swords here: More information on Mandaya sword and knife

Ian.